However, a healthy lifestyle is always beneficial, so I definitely agree that reducing sugar intake is ideal.

What is most important in a diet for individuals with ADHD is a good amount of protein, and maintaining a fairly level blood sugar (complex carbs paired with protein). This prevents spikes in energy and crashes: https://www.additudemag.com/adhd/article/9136-2.html.

This reply was originally posted by user Lfp in ADDitude’s now-retired community.

Penny, I am so surprised with your background that you are saying sugar & behavior are not connected. I can tell you that my 12 yr. old adopted Grandson can have a donut or candy and within 30 min. is “motor mouth”, jumping around, pesting, etc. Not at all his common behavior. I also watch any processed foods and he knows how to read labels and count carbs. Others have witnessed this behavior and are too aware of his behavior on sweets. If he had cookies for lunch his teacher would be calling me about disrupting the class.

This reply was originally posted by user adhdmomma in ADDitude’s now-retired community.

Hi @LFP!

There are many, many studies that have shown no correlation to sugar and behavior.

That said, of course there are some individuals who are much more susceptible. And, just about anyone who binges on sugar will certainly be bouncing off the walls.My son used to sneak into cookies in the wee hours of the morning and eat as much as half a box at a time. We could always tell when that happened because he was 90 miles an hour.

I was simply pointing out the science, and what’s true for most. Americans eat far, far too many sweets. A child should have less than 10 grams a day, and there’s 12 grams (I think it is) in one 12 oz can of soda. Just from a health standpoint, sugar should be minimal.

Avoiding all artificial and processed ingredients is best for all of us, but especially kids with ADHD who are often more sensitive to these things. My son can’t have red #40—a red Gatorade for him is like Dr. Jekyl to Mr. Hyde. It’s brutal and ugly. We realized the correlation the 3rd time he had it, and that was his last, well over 5 years ago.

Before I knew my son (now age 8) had ADHD I noticed how sugar affected him dramatically — and he was only 2 years old at the time. Fast forward to age 6 and we eliminated dairy and gluten from his diet and saw a dramatic difference in irritability and mood instability in eight days. EIGHT DAYS! He’s been gluten- and dairy-free for 19 months now and we can tell almost immediately when he’s eaten dairy or gluten — his behaviors are through the roof for about 3 days. There’s definitely something to it for some people. Science hasn’t made a connection between diet and conditions like ADHD and ASD, but anecdotally I know one exists for some people, but clearly not all.

Does adhd and a bad temper go hand and hand? I was just curious. I have the combined hyperactive/inattentive...

Since 1998, millions of parents and adults have trusted ADDitude's expert guidance and support for living better with ADHD and its related mental health conditions. Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness.